[REVIEW] Monster iSport Achieve Bluetooth Earphones

Although the box say Headphones.. I think they qualify more as EARphones - don't you think? ;)

These are entry level earphones in the Monster iSport range of wireless products. While there are no IP certifications, the box promises "Durable and sweat proof". It also comes with 3 different sized ear buds, but no pouch/case. Specs as listed on the box:

What I did:

As I am quite an avid runner, I did 3 10km - 12km runs within the week with the Achieve. Here's my take after the 3 runs:

Bluetooth pairing went without a hitch with my Xiaomi Mi 5s
Battery life is as specified (5+ hours on the box). After a full charge and 3 runs totaling very close to 5 hours, the battery level was announced as "low"
The SecureFit does fit well in my ears. It did not fall out during any of my runs.
As many of you may know - SQ of such earphones heavily depend on how well you can get it to fit "properly" in your ears. For normal earphones, I have always used the smallest ear buds but for the Achieve I needed to use the Medium ones (which are the default fitted ones) for the perfect fit.
Sound isolation is good - too good for runners running in public areas I believe. :) Safety first!!

As runners experience more constant "impacts" during a run than say, a gym workout, I'd recommend the following "hacks" for a more comfortable wear experience. Move the adjusting "bracket" on the cord closer to control unit. (see pic below). This does minimize the control unit from swing back and forth too much while you are running.

I also found that the flat cord tends to stick to the neck when you perspire. This makes the cord tug on the earpiece whenever to turn your head left or right. (I turn my head quite often as I run along public roads, and you will need to turn and look behind even if you are in a park.) What I do is after inserting one side of the earphones, I make a few twists on the other earphone before wearing that side. This makes a "twisted" cord over the neck, which is less likely to stick on your neck when you perspire.

Conclusion:

If you get a correct fit, the SQ is above average - its more "bassy" then many of the earphones I've tried. The controls work well, although for BT calls, the person on the other end did mention the volume was on the low side. 8/10 for an entry level unit.

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